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First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!

First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!

Hans im Glück · 2016
2–440–80 min14+ yrs2.8/5 complexity7.4 BGG#687 BGG7,7 K
short answer

How do you play First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!?

The primary objective of 'First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!' is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game. Players achieve this by strategically building and upgrading their train cars, extending their railway network, attracting famous passengers, and completing various contracts. The game encourages players to adapt their strategies based on the available cards and the actions of their opponents to create the most prestigious and profitable train line.

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First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! box art
official art · Hans im Glück
the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
🧩
01

Setup

Players receive four hand cards and set up the game board with various card types arranged in rows and columns.

The rules, step by step

Setup
The game setup involves each player receiving four hand cards, which are special train cards used throughout the game. The main game board is then populated with various card types, including module cards (X, A, B, C, D, E), railway cards, and contract cards, arranged in three rows. The X module cards are always used, while two other lettered module cards are chosen for each game, offering varied gameplay. Players also receive starting money and place their train and conductor pawns on their respective tracks.
Objective
The primary objective of 'First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!' is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game. Players achieve this by strategically building and upgrading their train cars, extending their railway network, attracting famous passengers, and completing various contracts. The game encourages players to adapt their strategies based on the available cards and the actions of their opponents to create the most prestigious and profitable train line.
On your turn
During a player's turn, the main action is to select a card from one of the three rows on the game board. Once a card is chosen, the player immediately performs its associated action. These actions can include adding new train cars to their personal train, upgrading existing train cars, extending their railway track, or gaining money. Some cards may also trigger special abilities or allow for additional actions. The choice of card is crucial as it not only benefits the active player but also affects the options available to subsequent players.
Scoring
Scoring occurs at the end of each of the three major rounds. Points are primarily awarded for the level and number of train cars in a player's train, the length and progress of their railway track, and completed contract cards. Money held at the end of the game also contributes to the final score. Additionally, there are special scoring opportunities for being the first to reach certain milestones on the railway track or for collecting specific sets of cards, such as the 10-car card, which offers significant bonus points.
Game end
The game concludes after three major rounds have been completed. Each major round consists of two minor rounds. A minor round ends when all cards from any one of the three rows on the game board have been taken by players. Once a minor round ends, the board is reset with new cards, and play continues. After the third major round, all final scores are tallied, including points from train cars, railway progress, completed contracts, and remaining money, to determine the winner.
Tips
To excel in 'First Class,' players should prioritize upgrading their train cars to higher levels, as this often yields more points. Extending your railway is also vital for unlocking new actions and scoring opportunities. Money is a flexible resource that can be used for various special actions, so managing your finances effectively is key. Pay attention to the module cards in play, as they introduce unique rules and scoring conditions that can significantly impact strategy. Also, consider the '搶騎士' (first player) card, as it grants a bonus and determines player order, which can be advantageous for securing desired cards.
game anatomy
Complexity2.8 / 5
BGG rating7.4 / 10
Language dependence
No in-game text needed
🌐 plays without English
Play time
40–80 min
Players
2–4
Recommended age
14+ yrs
BGG rank
#687
from Trișache · verified

Frequently asked questions

Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective of 'First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!' is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game. Players achieve this by strategically building and upgrading their train cars, extending their railway network, attracting famous passengers, and completing various contracts. The game encourages players to adapt their strategies based on the available cards and the actions of their opponents to create the most prestigious and profitable train line.
Q2How do you set up the game?
The game setup involves each player receiving four hand cards, which are special train cards used throughout the game. The main game board is then populated with various card types, including module cards (X, A, B, C, D, E), railway cards, and contract cards, arranged in three rows. The X module cards are always used, while two other lettered module cards are chosen for each game, offering varied gameplay. Players also receive starting money and place their train and conductor pawns on their respective tracks.
Q3How does a turn work?
During a player's turn, the main action is to select a card from one of the three rows on the game board. Once a card is chosen, the player immediately performs its associated action. These actions can include adding new train cars to their personal train, upgrading existing train cars, extending their railway track, or gaining money. Some cards may also trigger special abilities or allow for additional actions. The choice of card is crucial as it not only benefits the active player but also affects the options available to subsequent players.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Scoring occurs at the end of each of the three major rounds. Points are primarily awarded for the level and number of train cars in a player's train, the length and progress of their railway track, and completed contract cards. Money held at the end of the game also contributes to the final score. Additionally, there are special scoring opportunities for being the first to reach certain milestones on the railway track or for collecting specific sets of cards, such as the 10-car card, which offers significant bonus points.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes after three major rounds have been completed. Each major round consists of two minor rounds. A minor round ends when all cards from any one of the three rows on the game board have been taken by players. Once a minor round ends, the board is reset with new cards, and play continues. After the third major round, all final scores are tallied, including points from train cars, railway progress, completed contracts, and remaining money, to determine the winner.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
To excel in 'First Class,' players should prioritize upgrading their train cars to higher levels, as this often yields more points. Extending your railway is also vital for unlocking new actions and scoring opportunities. Money is a flexible resource that can be used for various special actions, so managing your finances effectively is key. Pay attention to the module cards in play, as they introduce unique rules and scoring conditions that can significantly impact strategy. Also, consider the '搶騎士' (first player) card, as it grants a bonus and determines player order, which can be advantageous for securing desired cards.
Q7How much does First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! cost?
No store is currently tracking First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!. Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!?
First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! is a card game game, for 2–4 players, taking ~40–80 minutes, featuring open drafting. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! support?
First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! is played by 2–4 players.
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Regatul JocuriloreasyboxCultural voucher
First Class: Unterwegs im Orient Express
RON 169
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Price trend over the last 90 days: minimum 169 lei, maximum 219 lei, now 169 lei.

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